Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2012

Mathematics and Special Education Leadership Team
Fund Code: 255

Purpose:

The purpose of this federally-funded Mathematics and Special Education Leadership Team grant is to provide funds to support districts' efforts to improve classroom instruction in mathematics for students with disabilities in grades four through eight. The goal of the grant is to establish a school-based leadership team comprised of school-based mathematics and special educators and administrators with district representation who will collaborate to support improved mathematics instruction for students with disabilities.

Priorities:

This grant will support proposals that seek to create a team to plan and implement activities that will improve classroom instruction for students with disabilities. Activities should include but are not limited to:

strengthening collaboration between mathematics and special educators

creating a team that includes: mathematics coach(es)/teacher leader(s), special education mathematics coach(es)/teacher leader(s), principal(s) from the target school(s) and a district-level administrator

providing feedback to the ESE on the Draft Mathematics and Special Education Leadership Setting the Stage Protocols for the Support Specialist resource document

developing a strategic/sustainable plan to continue improving mathematics instruction for students with disabilities

Eligibility:

Eligibility is limited to districts that participate in the Urban Mathematics Support Specialists Network. Districts should choose one or two focus schools based on needs.

Funding:

A total of $250,000 is available for this grant program in FY12. Approximately $20,000 is available per school in FY12. These calculations are based on assumptions of stipends for four people on the leadership team and for professional development for twenty teachers at the school. Costs can be adjusted up or down depending on the number of staff. The Department anticipates it will fund up to twelve districts. It is anticipated that in FY13 and FY14, similar amounts will be available as continuation grants.

Fund Use:

Funds may be used for

Stipends for educators

Participating in leadership meetings

Participating in or delivering school-based professional development

Participating in external professional development (e.g. DSAC/RttT courses, Professional Development Institutes, Massachusetts FOCUS Academy)

Appendix B: Draft Mathematics and Special Education Leadership Team Building Protocols

Appendix C: List of Eligible Districts

Submission Instructions:

Submit two (2) sets of the complete application package to Emily Veader, each with an original signature of the Superintendent/Executive Director.

The Required Program Information and Budget Detail Pages should also be submitted electronically to Emily Veader, eveader@doe.mass.edu with Mathematics and Special Education Leadership Team application in the subject line. The due date also applies to the electronic submission.